Somerset Council housing management services: Housing Options Appraisal decision

Since April 2023, Somerset Council, which owns in excess of 10,000 homes, has operated two models of housing management after bringing together the services of the former Sedgemoor and Somerset West and Taunton Councils, the only two district councils which owned housing stock.

The current housing management services are split, with around 6,000 homes managed in-house by Somerset Council and around 4,000 homes managed by Homes in Somerset, a not-for-profit arms-length management organisation (ALMO) wholly owned by Somerset Council.

In May last year, the council advised that it would be conducting an independent review, carried out by external consultants Savills, to identify how these services could be aligned, ensure consistency and deliver best value for money for all Somerset Council and Homes in Somerset tenants and leaseholders in the future.

External consultants, Savills, were appointed to undertake this review – or Housing Options Appraisal. Stakeholder and customer (tenant and leaseholder) engagement took place in the form of in-person meetings at local venues, online sessions and surveys to gather views and understand what really matters to our tenants and leaseholders. More information about the Housing Options Appraisal is on our website at www.homesinsomerset.org.

At the meeting of the Somerset Council Executive on 11 March 2026, members supported the recommendation by independent consultants, Savills, to place the management of all of Somerset Council’s housing with Homes in Somerset. More information is available in Savill’s Housing Options Appraisal Final Report, which can be found on the Somerset Council website.

Following this and in accordance with Section 105 of the Housing Act 1985, a final stage of consultation with Somerset Council tenants and leaseholders began on 25 February and closed on 8 April 2026. Responses to this consultation showed support for the approach.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and feedback.

We are now pleased to announce that Chris Hall, Executive Director – Community, Place & Economy, Somerset Council, to whom the final decision has been delegated, in consultation with the Lead Member for the Housing Revenue Account, agrees to place the management and maintenance of all of Somerset Council’s housing with Homes in Somerset.

We understand that you may have questions or concerns, however as we have said in previous updates, please be assured that:

• Somerset Council will remain your landlord and your rights as a tenant or leaseholder will not change; you will remain a tenant/leaseholder of Somerset Council
• Your homes and commercial premises will continue to be repaired, maintained and invested in as they are currently and there will be no change to your rent or services charges beyond the normal annual review and increase
• You will continue to receive the high standards of service you have been receiving
• Your repairs and maintenance services will continue to be provided through Homes in Somerset

Nothing will change immediately. We anticipate the change to take effect from September. There will be a transition period over the next four months, during which time we will communicate with all customers to ensure that you understand any changes and how you can continue to engage with the service.

We will continue to keep you informed through the customer newsletter and e-newsletter, on our website and on our social media platforms.

For more information, please visit the Housing Options Appraisal section of our website where you will find some Frequently Asked Questions. Alternatively, you can contact us directly.